3DS 'delay' better for third-party content

As some analysts begin to criticise Nintendo for what they see as a delayed February launch of the 3DS, EEDAR's Jesse Divnich has praised Nintendo for giving longer development time to its launch partners.

Jay Defibaugh, research director of MF Global FXA Securities, told the Wall Street Journal the release window was "a worst-case scenario" and he expected a ¥20,000 price point and 3G network connection.

But this ignores features of the 3DS, said Divnich, suggesting the hardware can match the multifunctionality of tablet, smartphone and other handheld technology on the market.

"The higher price point allows Nintendo to incorporate new features such as 3D movies, camera, and game support as well as incorporating a more robust online network to aid Nintendo in evolving their product from a single-use, games only platform to supporting the plethora of media and entertainment options that consumers have become accustom to using on their handheld devices such as the PSP, smart phones, and tablet computers."

The WSJ suggested Nintendo president Satoru Iwata told press today that the company wanted to get the system on shelves in time for Christmas, but decided it wouldn't be able to supply enough units if it launched in 2010.

Divnich doesn't believe the February launch has anything to do with manufacturing issues, instead it's part of Nintendo's strategy of ensuring the system goes to retail with as much content as possible.

"We believe that a 2010 holiday launch would severely impact both the quantity and quality of titles that could be made available by November 2010," he noted.

"EEDAR believes there is both a short term benefit (by not placing a third new device into the holiday line-up for consumers) and a long-term benefit (by allowing publishers and developers additional time to create compelling content) in the selected launch timing for the 3DS platform."

"Historically, third-party launch titles have underperformed compared to their first-party counterparts, which is almost entirely due to the limited development schedules available to third-parties. By allowing additional development time through March 2011, a superior product line-up should be available at launch, something all gamers can appreciate."

Nintendo cut its projected sales forecasts earlier today, and reduced estimates for Wii and DS hardware sales for the financial year.

However, it did say it expects to sell around four million 3DS units globally in its first month of release.